CULTURE SHOCK Meaning and
Definition
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Culture shock is a psychological and emotional response experienced by individuals when they encounter a new culture that is vastly different from their own. It is a state of disorientation and confusion that arises when the familiar norms, values, customs, behavior patterns, and social expectations they are accustomed to, suddenly do not apply or exist in the foreign culture they have entered.
When someone experiences culture shock, they may feel a sense of disconnection, anxiety, and insecurity. They might find it challenging to adapt to the different social norms, language barriers, unfamiliar food, different climate, traditions, and ways of thinking. Culture shock can manifest in physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, tiredness, and headaches.
There are different stages of culture shock, including the honeymoon stage where everything seems intriguing and exciting in the new culture, followed by a frustration stage where differences become more noticeable and frustrating. The adjustment stage comes next, as individuals begin to adapt and become more comfortable with the cultural differences. Lastly, the acceptance stage occurs, where individuals are able to assimilate and fully integrate into the new culture.
Culture shock can be a temporary phenomenon that gradually subsides as individuals learn and accept the new culture or it can lead to long-term adjustments in one's behavior and perspective. It often acts as a catalyst for personal growth, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Common Misspellings for CULTURE SHOCK
- xulture shock
- vulture shock
- fulture shock
- dulture shock
- cylture shock
- chlture shock
- cjlture shock
- cilture shock
- c8lture shock
- c7lture shock
- cukture shock
- cupture shock
- cuoture shock
- culrure shock
- culfure shock
- culgure shock
- culyure shock
- cul6ure shock
- cul5ure shock
- cultyre shock
Etymology of CULTURE SHOCK
The term "culture shock" originates from the field of anthropology and was coined by Kalvero Oberg, an American anthropologist, in the 1950s. Oberg used the term to describe the experience of psychological disorientation and anxiety that individuals may feel when they encounter an unfamiliar culture or cultural environment.
The word "culture" itself comes from the Latin word "cultura", which means cultivation or tending of something. It evolved to also refer to intellectual and artistic activities over time. Meanwhile, "shock" comes from the Middle French word "choc", which means a violent blow or collision.
Therefore, when combined, "culture shock" is metaphorically referring to the emotional impact or collision experienced when encountering a new culture that is strikingly different from one's own.
Idioms with the word CULTURE SHOCK
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a culture shock
The idiom "a culture shock" refers to the feeling of disorientation or surprise experienced by an individual when encountering a different culture, customs, language, or way of life that is vastly different from their own. It often involves feelings of confusion, frustration, or bewilderment due to unfamiliar surroundings and social norms.
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culture shock
Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, or anxiety experienced by someone when they are exposed to a new and unfamiliar culture or way of life.
Similar spelling words for CULTURE SHOCK
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